2013 Jaguar XF and XJ Ride and Drive Experience in Dubai

Event Overview

Dubai, UAE - Jaguar Land Rover held its 2013 Ride and Drive for the 2013 XF and XJ on Tuesday, 9th October.

The all-day event kicked off at 9 AM at the Meydan Hotel where we received a brief presentation from the Jaguar PR team. We drove in teams of two, stopping at designated points to change cars.

Driving Experience

First Impressions with the XJ

We started with the XJ 3.0L Supercharged V6, which was a real treat. Driving through the mountains of Hatta felt more like a drive along the corniche! Our RPM rarely crossed the 2,000 mark when accelerating, leading to greater fuel economy. All engines for 2013 are now equipped with 8-speed transmissions and new powertrains. According to Jaguar's figures, the combined fuel economy is 9.4L / 100 Km, making this one of the most fuel-efficient luxury power sedans on the market.

Midway Break

We stopped at the halfway mark for drinks, snacks, and some chat time with the Jaguar Marketing and PR team. One of the most exciting developments in both the XF and XJ is the new transmission, which is operated by a simple dial, setting it apart from traditional models!

Destination Hatta

Upon arriving at our destination in Hatta, we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch buffet and a changeover of cars.

The Surprise of the Day: Jaguar XF

The XF was the real surprise of the day. While we expected the V6 Supercharged version to be smooth, the XF surpassed all our expectations, particularly on highways. This car does NOT feel like a 2.0L engine; it feels like a V6—it's THAT smooth. In terms of price range, it's less expensive than an Audi A4 and offers more space in the back. Add to that the prestige associated with owning a Jaguar, and you've got a real winner.

Conclusion

We concluded the day at 5 PM, hardly in the mood to return to work. We look forward to test driving the car for longer durations; for now, the first impressions have been overwhelmingly positive.